An "unprecedented rise in crime" across the Coventry will prompt city leaders to petition the government for more police funding.

Fears over an increase in stabbings, shootings and drugs have led Coventry City Council members to rally for more cash for West Midlands Police as councillors say there needs to be a more visible presence of officers on our streets.

The most high profile crime was the murder of 21-year-old Fidel Glasgow - the grandson of Coventry ska legend Neville Staple - outside the former Club M in Coventry on September 1.

Another young man was found with stab wounds nearby.

The club has since had its licence "modified" after police called for it to close and will reopen as a late-night crazy golf venue.

Fidel Glasgow - grandson of Neville Staple - died after being fatally stabbed outside Club M on September 1, 2018

'Frightened communities'

Making the call at a meeting of the full council on Tuesday, October 16, Labour councillor Richard Brown (Cheylsesmore) said the Government was failing in its basic duty to protect people.

He cited National Audit Office statistics which claimed police funding has been slashed by 30 per cent in real teams, with 22,424 less bobbies on the beat compared to 2010.

In Coventry , he said there had been an "unprecedented rise in crime".

He added: "These are not just crimes against property such as burglaries, but a rise in crimes against persons.

"The effect of this on some of the residents in our local communities is to make them frightened, intimidated and in many cases isolated.

"The obvious solution to this it to give our police force the tools they need to do their job.

"There must be a more visible presence of Officers on the streets and resources available for the detection of crime.

"Therefore this council will petition the Government to act now and to make the funding available for our police force to carry out its duties and responsibilities in keeping the streets safe for all our citizens."